Z Order (Layers)

Imagine that the Work Window was three-dimensional,
and that you could turn it so that its bottom edge was at eye level. Imagine
that you could see the objects arranged on the page like puzzle pieces
on a table. Some objects may appear to be placed one on top of another,
and others may be overlapping.

This third dimension of page layout is known as
“Z order.” If the X axis relates to width and the Y axis to height, then
the Z order relates to depth. Although Z order cannot be seen and has
no associated ruler, just as can you position objects along X and Y (horizontal
and vertical) axes, you can also position them in the Z order.

Every object on the page is its own Z order or
layer, positioned in back to front order, so that objects at the front
will take precedence over objects behind. When you create a new object,
it is assigned a Z order or layer superior to all other objects on the
page.

Z order gives you the ability to superimpose images
one on top of another, and this is obviously an important element in page
design. However, you must be careful not to cover hyperlinked object,
and when selecting an object underneath another you may need to hold down
the Shift key.

SiteSpinner™ offers special techniques for manipulating
objects in the Z order. The To Front, Forward, Back,
and To Back buttons on the Align Bar can help you position
objects exactly where you want them in the Z order. Also, you can select
an object that is behind another object by pressing the Shift key while
clicking the object you want to select. (This will not change the object’s
Z order.)

Moving an Object to a Different Layer (Z Order)

Find the object on the page whose Z order (layer)
you wish to change.

Click to select the object. (If the object is hidden
behind another object, SHIFT+Click the object to select it.

To move the object to the first layer in the Z order (superior to all
other objects on the page), click the To Front button: on the Align Bar

OR

To move the object to one layer forward in the Z order,
click the Forward button: on
the Align Bar

OR

To move the object one layer backward in the Z order,
click the Back button: on the Align Bar

OR

To move the object to the last layer in the Z order
(inferior to all other objects on the page), click the To Back
button: on the Align Bar.

Selecting an Object Hidden Behind Another Object

Find the object on the page that is hidden behind
another object (using the Tab key or referring to the object list)

Press the Shift key.

Click your mouse on the object.

The object is now selected. You may move it with your
mouse pointer to a different position on the page, transform it in the
Work Window, or double-click it to open the Object Editor dialog box to
edit its properties.

While the SHIFT key is held down, subsequent clicks
will select the next object is the Z order. So even if you have several
objects stacked you can reach them all.